Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Aird | Army Pfc. Jason Layton, Fusion Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment...... read more read more
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By Army Sgt. Brandon Aird
173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team has several companies that conduct logistical patrols in Task Force Rock's area of operation.
The logistical patrols re-supply the task force's numerous forward operating bases in eastern Afghanistan. Ammunition, food, water and mail are the bulk of the supplies carried by these convoys.
Fusion Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), also known as "The Rock", travels some of the most dangerous routes. Fusion Company travels dirt and paved roads through valleys and up mountains near the border of Pakistan in Kunar province.
Fusion Company is based out of the relatively safe Forward Operating Base Fenty. Once Fusion Company leaves FOB Fenty and heads north they become a target for Taliban extremists.
"Usually we conduct patrols several times a week," explained Spc. Cesar Perez, from Katy, Texas.
The battle-tested company conducts combat logistical patrols based on the demand from the battalion.
Fusion Company travels the Pech Road north from Jalalabad to re-supply forward operating bases that dot the newly-paved road.
"We've had three firefights in the last three missions," said Army Pfc. Jason Layton from Azle, Texas, during a combat logistical patrol, Sept. 26, which resulted in another small firefight.
Taliban extremist's efforts to thwart Fusion Company combat logistical patrols have so far been fruitless.
When Fusion Company isn't conducting combat logistical patrols they also help reinforce forward operating bases and pull extra security while their fellow Paratroopers are out on missions or during times of high threat, Layton said. Layton is currently pending an award for valor for his actions during a combat logistical patrol.
"The battalion commander calls us his 5th maneuver company," said Army Capt. John S. Thyng, commander of Fusion Company. Thyng travels with his company on most of the combat logistical patrols.
Fusion Company will continue to re-supply their fellow paratroopers in 'The Rock' for the remainder of their 15-month deployment.
| Date Taken: | 10.15.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 10.15.2007 08:18 |
| Story ID: | 12976 |
| Location: | KUNAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 375 |
| Downloads: | 280 |
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